Jesus said the richest people were those who’d banked a lifetime of actions that honored God. He bluntly told his followers they could not be motivated by love of money and love of God at the same time.
Jesus’ message here directly contradicts our culture. Today it seems that money and fame are the prizes most celebrated and coveted. And because being famous and wealthy is only a viral video or a hit song away, it’s easy to channel our energy toward the pursuit of popularity, and to admire those who’ve achieved this kind of success.
Whether it’s counting likes on our status updates or dollars in our bank account, Jesus’ message is the same: seek a different type of wealth.
The next time you’re checking your bank account balance or the number of social media likes you have, ask the Holy Spirit to also help you check your heart, and to turn your attention toward him.
Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
Matthew 6:19-21, 24 NLT